A few weeks ago came the news that “Star Wars” actor John Boyega had abruptly exited the Netflix production of the Jeremy Saulnier-directed film “Rebel Ridge” right in the middle of its film shoot.
In a statement released at the time, it was said to be due to “family reasons”. Now a feature piece over THR alleges that according to their sources, Boyega simply walked away from the $25 million production which is described as a “thriller that explores systemic American injustice”.
In addition, their sources claim the filmmakers only discovered his departure when they looked for him at his hotel and found that he had checked out. They indicate that while the star had several issues ranging from the script to his accommodations, there was no single event that incited the alleged walkout.
Top Netflix executives like Scott Stuber and co-CEO Ted Sarandos apparently tried to persuade him to return to the set without success. Dozens of crew members on the project have now reportedly been let go as the production could not find a quick replacement and was shut down. The plan is to resume shooting with a new lead early next year.
Boyega’s London-based agent, Femi Oguns, was contacted and vehemently denied the report: “I can categorically say that these rumours are completely untrue.”
Last year Netflix made a deal with Boyega to develop films based on stories, cast, characters, crew, literary properties, mythology, screenplays and/or other elements in or around African countries. In the wake of this incident, Netflix released a statement reaffirming their working relationship: “We look forward to continuing our partnership with John Boyega’s UpperRoom Productions.”
Boyega recently wrapped sci-fi mystery caper “They Cloned Tyrone” for Netflix and will soon be seen as a public defender in “Naked Singularity”.
